MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
Issue 32 — February 2014
wORk w Inside this Month
Page 4 Arrow teams up with Broncos in Dalby Page 5 Gas companies send help from above Page 12 BrewVIEW is back for 2014
WORKING UP A THIRST: Murphy Pipe and Civil crew member Bob Leen gives Steven Ansford from the Bennett Rural Fire Brigade a blazing hand.
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EvENTS
➤ THE BASIN DIARY
Five must-dos this month 4 5 1
A giant thank you
WHEN you are writing dozens of editorials every year, it is easy to feel as though you are rambling and retracing old ground. Something I never tire of is writing about acts of community spirit and, over the past four months, I have been privileged witness many of them come about as a result of the generosity of the men and women of our gas and mining industries. The best examples involve small amounts of money given to individuals who really need it. Case in point: a week before Christmas, I was having a few drinks with a communication manager from a company that shall remain nameless. After hearing about a family having a particularly tough time, I asked if there was anything the company could do to help out. Within 48 hours, the family’s festive season had been made easier via a no-questions-asked donation. At no stage did the communication manager ask what public relations traction they could gain out of the company’s generosity. It was the most legitimate show of community spirit I saw in 2013. While a promise made to the family involved means I will never divulge who they are or which company helped them out in their time of need, it does not lessen the gesture. On behalf of the family, I want to extend my wholehearted thanks to the workers who dug deep Here’s to thirsty work in the Surat Basin. Cheers Lyndon Keane
The Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is published by the Dalby Newspapers, Suite 1, 44 Cunningham Street, Dalby Q4405. Phone 4672 5500. Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is printed by APN Print, 50 Industrial Avenue Toowoomba Q4350 (2012) Free publication and is not to be sold. All material published in the Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is subject to copyright provisions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. DISCLAIMER: the information contained within Miners Life Monthly - Thirsty Work is given in good faith and obtained from sources believed to be accurate. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher; Dalby Newspapers will not be liable for any opinion or advice contained herein. Page 2.
GO RACING: Dalby’s Bunya Park is the place to be on Saturday for the Des Burns Memorial Race Day. Visitor Information Centre FOR those seeking a ■ WHAT: quiet Sunday of relaxa2014 Ben tion and shopping with demere the family, the Chinchilla Cup country markets offer an ■ WHEN: Saturday, eclectic range of stalls, February 22 great food and live enter■ WHERE: Bassett tainment. Park, RomaTHE BenThere is bound to be demere Cup has been a ■ WHAT: something for every barlongstanding tradition in Chinchilla gain hunter. the Maranoa since the country The markets run from Roma Turf Club began to markets 6am – for the early risers host the event in the late ■ WHEN: Sunday, – until 1pm. 1960s. February 16 The Wallumbilla com■ WHERE: Chinchilla munity - formerly the Bendemere Shire - now owns the event and the locals turn up in force for the celebration of their enduring spirit. A five-race program, some private marquees, a special lunch for the Wallumbilla community and on-track bookmakers ensure it is always a cracking day of racing COUNTRY ATMOSPHERE: The Chinchilla country mar- action, especially for the kets have something for everyone. $6 entry fee.
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CONTACT US
EDITOR Lyndon Keane - 4672 5523 WRITERS Will Hunter, Lauren Gallagher, Jim Campbell MEDIA SALES CONSULTANTS Juneeta Hopper, Nicole Boyd-Taylor, Catherine Ryan, Laurell Ison, David Richardson GENERAL MANAGER, SURAT BASIN PUBLICATIONS David Richardson ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES T: (07) 4672 5500 F: (07) 4672 5510 E: advertising@dalbyherald.com.au Dalby Newspapers, PO Box 5, Dalby QLD 4405 WEBSITE Suratbasin.com.au EMAIL thirstywork@suratbasin.com.au
bruary 23 ■ WHERE: Jandowae Lions Park, JandowaeJANDOWAE is a stunning little town and its picturesque Lions Park will be the place to be for an old-fashioned feed on February 23. The Lions Club will host Breakfast in the Park, with organisers offering mouth-watering bacon, eggs, doughnuts and espresso. If you can’t get there for the 8am start, the friendly club members guarantee to have the hotplate firing until midday.
■ WHAT: Gokarting ■ WHEN: The last weekend of February ■ WHERE: Dennis Street, DalbyTHE smell of two-stroke will fill the air when petrol heads in Dalby unite at the end of this month for a weekend of red-hot racing action. Event organisers bill it as “low-cost motorsport” and, with numerous Surat Basin miners professing to have petrol in their veins, all roads will lead to Dalby for fun on the track. For more information about donning a helmet and taking part in the karting weekend, call Wayne Zimmerman on 0427 466 279.
KARTING FUN: Petrol heads can get a fix in Dalby on the last weekend of February.
Santas talking safety
FIND US ON FACEBOOK Like Facebook? Thirsty WorkWork Magazine Thirsty is on Facebook! is now on Facebook! Like our page to keep up to date with what’s in upcoming issues, competitions and some fun pics!
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Thirsty Work editor Lyndon Keane
■ WHAT: Markets ■ WHEN: Sunday, Fe-
■ WHAT: Des Burns Memorial Race Day ■ WHEN: Saturday, February 8 ■ WHERE: Bunya Park, Dalby FEBRUARY is a huge month for racing in the Surat Basin and, for the Dalby community, the Des Burns Memorial Race Day is one event not to be missed. The annual Bunya Park blockbuster celebrates the life of one of the town’s all-time great trainers and will feature five races and non-stop fun as gentlemen and fillies frock up for the occasion.
COLOURFUL MESSAGE: While they might look comical - and just a little bit disturbing the Murphy Pipe and Civil Safety Santas delivered a critical message about safety to crews in the lead-up to the festive season. Photo Contributed
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Crews celebrate our day in true Australian fashion
Pipeliners pig out on pies
HUNDREDS of Murphy Pipe and Civil pipeliners got right into the Australian spirit to help mark our national day with meat and pastry on January 26. With the Brentleigh Park camp mess decked out with all things Australian, the crews kicked off celebrations with a rowdy rendition of Advance Australia Fair, before launching into a hard-fought – and unquestionably authentic – pieeating competition. The company’s Australia Day event organiser, Jo Howell, said that while the pie-eating race did not stop the nation like the Melbourne Cup, it certainly had a thoroughbred feel about it. “It was a fair dinkum great day all round, with crew members getting off their dates and grabbing their mates, and heading down to the camp mess for a blazing barbie and bonza time,” she told Thirsty Work. “Our pie-eating contestants summoned up plenty of Aussie courage and set a cracking pace to devour the sauce-drenched, family-sized pies in a big effort
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Event organiser event Jo Howell
It was a fair dinkum great day all round, with crew members getting off their date and grabbing their mates. to win the major prize - a true blue Jackie Howe singlet and family pass to Australia Zoo. Despite having their hands behind their backs, all of the pie eaters exhibited the true Australian spirit of having a go, but an impressive effort by Mark Hoult saw him consume our nation’s favourite fare in just five minutes and nine seconds. “Some of the contestants were upset when they realised their efforts failed to put them on the winner’s podium, but in a true sign of mateship, all congratulated the meat-loving master, who now holds the title of MPC pie-eating champion for 2014,” Jo said.
WINNER, WINNER: The pie-eating king washes savours a drink after his impressive effort. Photo Contributed
NOT-SO-CLEAN FUN: What do you get when you combine meat pies, Australia Day and pipeline crews? A lot of messy fun, that's what. Photo Contributed
PIE TIME: Competitors get ready to battle for Murphy Pipe and Civil pie-eating supremacy. Photo Contributed
NEwS IN BRIEF ■ Mining giants warn over legislative changes RIO Tinto and Glencore are warning new planning laws in Queensland have the potential to threaten future development and put hundreds of jobs at risk. The Regional Planning Interests bill aims to regulate the impacts of resources projects on areas of regional interest. In a submission to the State Government, Glencore said it was concerned the legislation posed a threat. “Glencore considers the bill, if enacted, will act in direct contradiction with ...stated intention to introduce policy that enables sustainable resources development in Queensland,” the submission reads. The mining giant said the bill cast doubt over its proposed Rolleston expansion project. Under the bill, almost half of the project falls within priority agricultural areas. If the mine closed, more than 800 jobs would be axed. ■ Safety concerns shut down Tasmanian operation THE Mount Lyell copper mine in Tasmania has ground to an operation halt following the death of a worker in January. In a horror period for the industry, three employees have been killed at the mine in six weeks, sparking major question marks over safety. Copper Mines of Tasmania, which owns the site, and underground mining contractor Barminco admitted there was work to be done before the operation could resume. ■ Plea to boost indigenous miner numbers THE mining sector is calling on the Federal Government change laws so that companies can advertise jobs as indigenous-only. The Australian Mines and Metals Association said the appeal is being driven by a concerning increase in the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous employees.
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Arrow points Broncos stars to Dalby paddock THE Western Downs caught a case of rugby league fever when Arrow Energy brought members of the Brisbane Broncos to Dalby for the 2014 fan day on February 1. Fans got up close and personal with the stars of the paddock – including the Broncos’ ever-popular mascot, Buck – on the day, with former captain Sam Thaiday, new co-captains Justin Hodges and Corey Parker, local player Andrew McCullough signing autographs and throwing footballs around Dalby Leagues Club. The event was the third of its kind in Dalby, through the ongoing partnership between the Broncos and the energy giant. In a boost for the town’s junior footballs stars, the event coincided with the annual sign-on for the Dalby Devils. Arrow Energy chief executive officer Andrew Faulkner said the event was exclusive for fans in regional Queensland.
❝ The juniors get rub shoulders Dalby Diehards co-head coach Scott Hall
with the Broncos and meet some of their heroes at their home ground.
“These fan days are always a hit, because they allow community members to meet the players and
there’s always a relaxed family atmosphere,” he said. “Many people from Dalby and surrounds usually at-
BIG FANS: Broncos mascot Buck was a crowd favourite at the fan day in Dalby on Saturday morning
tend, and we also invite Toowoomba fans and regional junior rugby league clubs, too.” Parker said the Broncos players had been chomping at the bit to get back to Dalby. “It’s our chance to give something back, but also to encourage everyone to support the Broncos this year, so we can start the year strong and make the finals together,” he said. “I think it’s important the team continues to visit regional Queensland and meet the people who cheer us on every week, but can’t always get to games.” Dalby Diehards co-head coach Scott Hall praised the event as a “fantastic opportunity” for the local rugby league community. “Arrow Energy is to be commended for putting this event together,” he said. “The juniors get rub shoulders with the Broncos and meet some of their heroes at their home ground.”
WorkFit works WORKFIT’S innovative workplace health program is a holistic approach to health, designed to empower Surat Basin businesses to be proactive in improving and caring for the health of their workforces. This unique program has been designed to improve staff performance, decrease absenteeism and turnover, and return injured employees to work in a fast and safe manner. Through its multi-strategy interventions, WorkFit addresses the relationship between physical activity, healthy eating, obesity and chronic disease prevention, and injury rehabilitation by providing access to a diverse team of exceptional allied health professionals. With workplace injuries costing both bottom lines
and team morale, the WorkFit return-to-work programs are customised to allow a timely – and, more importantly, safe - return to work for injured employees. Through the WorkFit program, the allied health team can help employers go one step further by liaising to reduce injury, maximise workplace performance, decrease absenteeism, improve morale and influence the culture within organisations. The Workfit team is proud to be involved in the important role of caring for the Surat Basin community by offering services to individuals through its sister company, Vital Health. Vital Health has an everincreasing reach and has bases in Dalby, Chinchilla, Roma and Kingaroy.
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Staff dig deep for cancer
WESTERN Downs residents coping with cancer will now be able to receive some extra nursing care and financial assistance thanks to a mammoth fundraising effort by Murphy Pipe and Civil employees. Crews working on pipeline projects across the region donned pink shirts and hard hats late last year and, in doing so, raised $40,000. Communications manager
Glenn Pfluger said the employees “wanted to do their bit to help find a cure for cancer”. “There would be few people in our company who have not been touched by cancer in some way, so it’s a cause that really strikes a chord with our work crews,” Mr Pfluger said. “Donating to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to help find a cancer cure was
our main fundraising driver, but we also wanted to direct some of the funds to our local community, so we could help out people undergoing cancer therapy. “We decided to split the funds and donate to the local Prostate and Breast Cancer Association, so it can continue the great work it does across the region.” Chinchilla Prostate and Breast Cancer Association
spokeswoman Joanne Embry said the organisation was extremely grateful for the donation, which will assist in the provision of funds for patient care around Chinchilla, Miles and the surrounding districts. “We will utilise this amazing donation to provide financial assistance grants to patients who are undergoing breast or prostate cancer treatment,” Mrs Embry said.
BIG THANKS: Joanne Embry, Dr Saba Alessawy and Ann Gibbons celebrate the donation. Photo Contributed
Easternwell grant assists youngest residents
Helping local kids Get Set
TRAINING TIME: The helicopter crew takes part in a training exercise at Dalby airport. Photo Contributed
Caring from the skies A PERMANENT CareFlight Rescue service in the Surat Basin may be a relatively new concept, but the iconic blue and yellow helicopters have provided peace of mind for those in need of urgent medical assistance for much longer. The Surat Basin service, which is sponsored by coal seam gas companies QGC, Origin, Santos and Arrow Energy, has been running since 2011 and its dedicated team of pilots, air crew, doctors and flight para-
medics remain on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to save lives through the provision of rapid response critical care. Since 2011, the service has carried out 138 missions and the four gas companies allocate 150 hours annually to be dedicated to response activities. In a sign of how busy the Surat Basin now is, the service has two machines - a primary helicopter based in Roma and a back-up unit in Toowoomba.
SOME of the Surat Basin’s youngest community members have been given a hand as they step into the classroom thanks to a generous grant from Easternwell. The drilling and well-servicing company has awarded over $115,000 to rural communities across Australia as part of its community grants program, with a strong focus on the Dalby region. Since 2011, Easternwell has provided financial and social assistance to more than 110 organisations throughout its area of operation, including Dalby State School, Dalby Beck Street Kindy, Dalby Meals on Wheels and the Rotary Club of Dalby. The company’s most recent gesture of support was by providing Goondir Health Service for $2000 towards the reintroduction of a Get Set for School Program – a program which aims to ensure children are fully immunised, undergo comprehensive health checks and receive quality school equipment prior to starting kindergarten. Goondir Health Service’s child health registered nurse Amy Houston said the program was working wonders with its younger patients. “Each year, we perform health checks on over 150 children between the age of three and four from Dalby and
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Goondir Health Service child health registered nurse Amy Houston
Our program acts as an incentive and rewards them for their courage.
GET SET: Easternwell has helped Goondir Health Service give Surat Basin kids a hand via a $2000 grant. Photo Contributed
St George,” she explained. “Some of our little patients can be reluctant to visit us, as many of them are frightened of needles. “Our program acts as an incentive and rewards them for their courage.” As part of the program, each child receives a backpack containing the essentials they need for starting school including a lunchbox, water bottle and stationery. The program also provides financial relief for families ahead of sending their children to school. Easternwell’s chief operating officer, Darren Greer, said he believed it was “essential” for the company to support community groups. “We...understand the day-today challenges they face in finding the support they need to keep their doors open,” he said. “In many instances, Easternwell isn’t providing funding for expensive or big-ticket items but, instead, providing assistance or a boost to help recipients make purchases which may seem insignificant to you or me, but are essential to the operations of that particular group. “The continued growth of groups seeking support reinforces the importance of grass root-focused initiatives like (this).”
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Crews help Arrow-funded program gets first major result Downs firies Tamara hits the bitumen FIREFIGHTING crews across the Western Downs are partnering with the region’s coal seam gas contractors to enhance their ability to control blazes this summer. One of those companies that has heeded the call is Murphy Pipe and Civil, which has supported firefighting efforts with manpower and equipment. The company’s communications manager, Glenn Pfluger, said the crews were more than willing to pitch in. “MPC has often joined forces with local firefighters, landholders and QGC to fend off wild bushfires which have scorched the Western Downs,” he told Thirsty Work. “Our crews feel very much a part of this community, so when it’s threatened, just like other community members, they want to pitch in and lend a hand to protect it. Mr Pfluger said that, while the company was not a firefighting service, the sheer number of crews and heavy plant it had across the Western Downs usually meant they were “right on the spot when fires broke out”.
HELPING HAND: Surat Basin CSG contractors, including Murphy Pipe and Civil, are helping firefighters combat summer bushfires.
WERE it not for an innovative community program and the backing of the Dalby PCYC, 21-year-old Tamara Sorrenson admits she probably would not hold a provisional driver’s licence today. “I probably wouldn’t have my licence (without Braking the Cycle) because it was all about confidence,” she explained as she showed off the coveted piece of golden plastic and her new P-plates last month. Braking the Cycle is designed to help young people aged between 16 and 25 who face significant barriers in completing their mandatory 100 hours of driving experience get their licences with the support of volunteer mentors. The groundbreaking program is facilitated locally by the Dalby PCYC and its development officer, Kelly Ryan, said it would have still been a wishful concept without the help of Arrow Energy, which provided funding to launch the concept on the Western Downs. “Without Arrow’s support, this program couldn’t have gotten off the ground,” Mrs Ryan said proudly.
Tamara said she had “about five or six lessons” behind the wheel with Mrs Ryan and Dalby PCYC branch manager
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Braking the Cycle development officer Kelly Ryan
Now we have a success story; this is what the program is all about.
to the program – was now a licensed driver. “It’s fantastic to see someone come out full of confidence,” she said. “Now we have a success story; this is what the program is all about.” When asked what the licence meant, Tamara did not hesitate. “It’s a bit of independence,” she said with a smile.
BRAKE-THROUGH RESULT: Braking the Cycle development officer Kelly Ryan and Dalby PCYC branch manager Sergeant Mick Hughes watch Tamara Sorrenson ditch her L-plate after successfully obtaining her provisional licence. Photo Lyndon Keane
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Sergeant Mick Hughes. Mrs Ryan said she was thrilled that Tamara – who was the first participant to sign up
MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
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GasGossipLIFE
Gas Gossip blows the whistle on silliness in the Surat Basin
Miner steals from the jolly guy in red
AS 2014 beings to ramp up and workers return to the Surat Basin, Gas Gossip has heard plenty of yarns about festive season shenanigans and regrettable decisions, but the one that left us shaking out head most involved two cookies, a carrot and a lukewarm beer. According to the story GG heard, a high-profile miner based in the melon capital put his foot in it after being
sprung “borrowing” the food left out for Santa Claus and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. While we’ve all been struck down by a case of the munchies at one stage or another, it is probably important – especially on the most exciting night of the year for little tackers – to ensure everyone is asleep before stealing the chocolate delights meant for that slightly
tubby guy in red who visits but once a year. Thankfully, the cookie thief is a pretty quick thinker and came up with an explanation to satisfy the questions of a bleary-eyed seven-year-old. “I told her that Santa hadn’t been hungry because he’d taken the reindeer through the McDonald’s drive-through,” the offender said when GG asked him to come clean.
FESTIVE THIEF: Which Chinchilla-based miner got caught by his daughter pillaging from Santa Claus’ stash on Christmas Eve? Photo Lyndon Keane
TELL US WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE TRAPS ■ Have you heard or seen something funny around the Surat Basin you think deserves to be in Gas Gossip? ■ Email the team at thirstywork@suratbasin.com.au or call 07 4672 5500. ■ Names will be removed to protect the innocent, clumsy and stupid.
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Want to see what the locals are up to? Pick up a copy of our area papers Dalby Herald
Every Tuesday & Friday
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BASIN BRAINS 1
The Western Star
3 Balonne Beacon Every Friday
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DIG IT
Meet Biggsy and Tiny! Let Biggsy the truck driver and her best mate Tiny show you around. She’s a feisty, independent woman making her way in what used to be a man’s world and Tiny is a big, burly shovel operator with a sensitive side. Check out each month as their story unfolds against a backdrop of huge machines and enormous holes in the ground. Comic written and drawn by Ad Long
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Australia is the sixth largest country behind Russia, Canada, China, USA, and Brazil.
The fortune cookie was invented in 1916 by George Jung, a Los Angeles noodle maker.
A hippo can open its mouth wide enough to fit a four-foot-tall child inside.
Every Thursday
Lightning strikes the earth about 8 million times a day.
Despite the month implied by its name, Munich's annual 16-day Oktoberfest actually begins in mid-September and ends on the first Sunday in October.
An apple, onion, and potato all have the same taste. The differences in flavour are caused by their smell.
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Chinchilla News
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10 useless facts you will never need. Unless you need to win a workplace argument or a pub trivia competition, that is.
An ostrich’s eye is bigger than its brain.
Every Tuesday & Friday
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Most toilets flush in E-flat.
You blink over 10,000,000 times a year.
Donald Duck comics were banned in Finland because he doesn't wear pants.
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Don’t miss our first moments
Bundaberg Turtle Season Experience first hand hundreds of tiny baby turtles hatching from their nest and scurrying down the beach towards their life journey. Words can’t describe the feeling you get from being part of this natural wonder, but it’s something everyone should see in their lifetime. Mon Repos is home to the largest concentration of marine turtles and the best place to see the hatchlings burst to life. Just 15km east of Bundaberg (only 4 hours from Brisbane), come see why the Southern Great Barrier Reef is where great begins. Between January and late March, join your Ranger guide on one of the nightly tours to see this amazing spectacle and get up close and personal with nature. Don’t miss this moment right on your doorstep. Admission for an adult from only $10.90, bookings essential.
Don’t miss
Don’t miss your last chance to witness one of the true miracles of nature as the turtle hatchlings take their first steps of their incredible journey through life. These gorgeous little endangered animals will only hatch through to late March so don’t miss your chance to witness this natural wonder. Bookings are essential.
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TurTle SeASON TimeliNe Turtle Nesting Season starts.
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Early November marks the date when nightly Turtle Encounters begin at Mon Repos beach. Bookings are essential and can be made via Bundaberg Visitor Information Centre.
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m Turtle Be Nesting r Season reaches its peak. With the exception of December 24, 25 and 31 the nightly Turtle Encounters run all through the festive season.
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Turtle hatchlings have a natural instinct to head towards the lowest natural light. When they are born they head straight towards the horizon and the open ocean.
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Hatching H Season starts. S
Mon Repos is home to the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland. Successful breeding here is vital to their survival.
Nesting and hatching turtles are best viewed at night. Turtle Encounters run from 7pm and are guided by rangers to ensure you enjoy the best possible experience.
Book your Bundaberg turtle experience today at queensland.com/turtles
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In January the first hatchlings start to appear h and a make their way back to the t safety of the open ocean. Even though the first turtles are already hatching, other turtles are still nesting in January. Did you know that Loggerhead turtles lay between 100 and 150 eggs?
Hatching Season gets into full swing. Throughout February turtles are hatching.
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Incubation temperature determines the sex of every hatchling. Cooler temperatures mean more males will be produced, hotter temperatures produce more females.
Hatching Season comes to a close. Your last chance to witness one of the true miracles of nature. The last turtle hatchlings take the first steps on their incredible 100 year journey through life.
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SUDOKU
CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 1 Prevent 3 Offshoots of a branch 6 Miniature scene 7 Swimming pools 8 Birthplace of Mohammed 10 Goodbye 12 Renown
An All Australian Word Game
DOWN: 1 Form of mathematics 2 Be jubilant 3 Producer of precision implements
FOCUS WORD
* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once * Each word must be four letters or more * Find at least one nine letter word * No swear words * No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’ * No proper nouns and no hyphenated words
© MARK SCRIVENER
2. 77, 75, 69, 59, 45, …? Answer- 27. Going down by every second even number (or odds multiplied by two) i.e. 2, 6, 10, 14, 18.
Good: 13 words Very good: 19 words Excellent: 30 words
3. If SLIGHT BREATH OF WIND + NOT OUT = SEABIRD is (PUFF+IN = PUFFIN), can you work out these? DAY-ONE + RING UP = TIME-MEASURER, GET PRIZE + PRESENT = GET GRAIN FROM CHAFF, TURN OVER + LOUD BREATH = CRUEL LEVITY Answer- SUN + DIAL = SUNDIAL, WIN + NOW = WINNOW, FLIP+PANT = FLIPPANT
SUDOKU Last Weeks Solution Across: 1 avert, 3 twigs, 6 diorama, 7 baths, 8 Mecca, 10 adieu, 12 kudos, 14 crazier, 15 along, 16 swaps. Down: 1 algebra, 2 exult, 3 toolmaker, 4 Isaac, 5 sea, 6 disputing, 9 answers, 11 imago, 13 drama, 14 CIA.
SOLUTIONS
Mind Twister 1. If morning mists linger like drifting dreams clinging ... 1) soon shafts of sun rouse clear ceiling of blue OR 2) soon living light clears bright blueness above OR 3) view of vastness wakes, true-touching our sight Answer- 1) Main words start with a double, then the letter before in the alphabet e.g If morning mists linger ...
TODAYS FOCUS
KEYNUMBO
4 Father of Jacob 5 Expanse of water 6 Calling in question 9 Replies 11 Adult insect 13 Tragedy 14 US intelligence organisation (1,1,1)
Focus Word dine dink dunce dune dunk endue equine induce indue inked keen kind kine knee kneed neck necked need nice nick nicked niece nude nuke nuked queen quicken QUICKENED quin quince
Back to Miles Races
4. How are these muddled-up words related? ryifa, nograd, noglib, snercips, ignk, gimanica, lelps, words, antig Answer- Fairy tales - fairy, dragon, goblin, princess, king, magician, spell, sword, giant. 5. Can you solve these cryptic clues to find each word? 1) I hear an earth-spirit upon a shadowsign maker? 2) It sounds like letting borrowing after a weary breath makes no sound? 3) From all directions comes intelligence of happenings? Answer- 1) GNOMON 2) SILENT 3) NEWS (north, east, west, south)
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KEYNUMBO
14 Madder 15 As a companion 16 Trades
Saturday Feb 15th
Gates open 11am – 1st Race 1.30 – 5 Race Program
Feature Race - Murilla Cup, sponsored by Murilla Foodworks Ladies Bar – Brown Bros Wines Free Children Entertainment Bar, BBQ and Tea Booth operating all day Fashions on the Field Band after last Race till late Admission $15 Adults,12and Under free entry Table Bookings : Audrey Cadzow ph 46271228 Courtesy Bus after last race till late
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MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
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Easy eatingLIFE
Life THIS WEEK’S TOP FOUR DROPS
COUNTRY COOK
Japanese-y is so easy
Reviews by Food Editor Peter Chapman peter.chapman@apn.com.au
JOSEF CHROMY 2011 Pinot Noir
B&B cooking school imparts the secrets of fabulous Oriental cuisine Shannon Newley shannon.newley@dailyexaminer.com.au
I KNOW ice cream for morning tea doesn’t really fit into my current clean eating ethos but when 12 flavours of awardwinning creamy deliciousness is put in front of you at 10am, what can you do? I was at Colin James at Maleny on the Sunshine Coast and the ice cream taste testing was just the beginning of a cheese, yogurt and fudge-filled frenzy. There have been few times in my life when I have felt I couldn’t eat any more – and this definitely came close. After days of intense eating, I wasn’t sure how I could possibly eat dinner. But I have a deep-seated fear of waking up hungry in the middle of the night, so the thought of going without the last meal of the day is something I can’t bear. Fortunately the evening’s menu was some beautifully light Japanese, thanks to cooking lessons with our host Aki. Aki and his wife Miyuki are the funny and charismatic owners of Ninderry Manor Luxury B&B at Yandina, where I was staying for the night. The cooking lessons are an optional extra and I was excited to have a go – I have never had Japanese cooking lessons before and don’t actually cook that much Japanese food, despite loving it. The menu included tempura vegetables, which I have cooked in this column before. But we learnt some neat tricks on how to tell if the oil is the right temperature. I’ll fill you in in coming weeks. Sushi was also on the menu which I found a little intimidating. It’s one of those dishes
Well-priced wine from one of Tassie’s best winemakers. Dark morello cherry and blueberry fruit across nice spices.
Chef's tip
You can use any mayo or salad dressing you like instead of kewpie, but it’s quintessentially Japanese. Beef Teriyaki
FOOD: Spicy Asian RATING: 94/100 RRP $24.99
PARKER 2012 Coonawarra Cab Sav Dark chocolates, violets and notes of liquorice capture the nose, revealing an expansive soft palate layered in berry fruits. Quality drink-now red.
FOOD: Steak. RATING: 93/100 RRP $22.99
WOLF BLASS 2012 Yellow Label Shiraz that can go terribly wrong but again we learnt all of the tricks of the trade – don’t worry, I’ll pass them on to you in the coming weeks as well. This beef teriyaki was the third dish Aki helped us whip up. It’s light and simple with the easiest salad in the world – but really tasty. I have to admit by the time we got to this dish, we were a couple of bottles in and were having a pretty great time, but not concentrating quite as hard as we had earlier in the night. I have been to cooking lessons in a range of different places all around the world but this is one of the most fun I have been a part of. The inclusion of wine helped, but the small group of four, the cahallenge of cooking and having our cheeky teacher
4 cups of loosely packed lettuce, shredded Half a cucumber, sliced 1 large carrot, sliced Sesame oil Sesame seeds Kewpie mayonnaise METHOD: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sake/wine vinegar and ginger in a bowl. Stir well until sugar has dissolved. Set aside. Prepare salad and plate up with a dollop of mayonnaise. Heat a pan with a dash of sesame oil. Dip a piece of the beef into the sauce, give it a shake and then place in hot pan – repeat but don’t over-fill the pan. Cook for a minute or so on one side and turn. Cook for another minute and then take off heat. Serve three pieces of beef on each plate with salad. Garnish with sesame seeds.
made it special. The sauce is so easy, it makes you wonder why you would ever buy a ready-made teriyaki sauce. Just note that Aki, like me doesn’t tend to use strict amounts of ingredients. He does it by look and taste. If you find this too sweet, use less sugar. If you find the sake or soy sauce taste too strong, use a little less.
Beef Teriyaki (Serves 4) INGREDIENTS: 12 pieces of scotch fillet sliced as thinly as you can (or get the butcher to help) 1 ⁄2 cup soy sauce 1 ⁄4 cup brown sugar 1 ⁄2 sake or white wine vinegar 2 tsp ginger (grated finely)
Once again Wolf Blass delivers a quality everyday red. A well-structured wine displaying attractive berry and spice characters that marry well with subtle touches of oak.
FOOD: Veal RATING: 92/100 RRP $15.99
WOLF BLASS Pinot Noir Chardonnay A delicious nose of stone fruits, lemon curd and brioche. The palate reveals rich strawberries and cream over a subtle, complex toastiness.
FOOD: Pre-dinner nibbles RATING: 91/100 RRP $15.99
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MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
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BrewviewLIFE
Internal battle of the brewery hands IPA first points of the year
The sleeping western giant awakens WE THOUGHT we would kick off the 2014 BrewVIEW a little bit differently by pitting two drops from the same brewery head-to-head, just to see how difficult it was to pick a winner from a single stable. Our guinea pig for this experiment was the Western Australia-based Gage Roads Brewing Company, a boutique producer that has been bottling a small range of beers since 2002. The combatants were the Atomic pale ale – weighing in with an alcohol content of 4.7% - and the Sleeping Giant India pale ale, which takes the topweight billing at 5.4%. The lighter opponent is described by its makers as “a refreshing American-style pale ale, displaying distinctive hop aroma and full malt flavour”. While it might be made with the “purest ingredients”, it failed to tantalise the tastebuds of our four-person judging panel, scoring an overall mark of just two out of a possible five. “It wouldn’t be a bad ses-
THE COMPETITORS Atomic pale ale ■ Who makes it? Gage Roads Brewing Company ■ What sort of drop is it? Pale ale ■ Alcohol content: 4.7% ■ What you’ll pay: We paid $15 for a six-pack of 330mL stubbies Judges’ verdict: 2/5 Sleeping Giant IPA ■ Who makes it? Gage Roads Brewing Company ■ What sort of drop is it? India pale ale ■ Alcohol content: 5.4% ■ What you’ll pay: We paid $17 for a six-pack of 330mL stubbies Judges’ verdict: 2.5/5
sion beer if I’d had a different beer before,” one noted. “To be honest, Coopers pale ale is cheaper and I’d prefer to go with that.” Our intrepid judges were more impressed – marginally - with the Atomic’s stablemate, but failed to be won
THE GIANT RISES: It was a case of victory for a charging elephant with the first BrewVIEW of 2014. Photo Lyndon Keane over with its “notes of dark stone fruit and citrus”. “It’s certainly more palatable than the Atomic, but it
still isn’t something I’d be able to sit on all day,” mused Thirsty Work’s editor, Lyndon Keane.
“The flavour is pretty confronting.” When the dust settled in our first BrewVIEW stoush of
the year, the sleeping giant was the narrow-yet-unanimous winner from Gage Roads Brewing Company.
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MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
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MotoringSPORT
‘Ugly ducking’ takes flight
FAST ROAD TEST FACTS ■ What: Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire ■ How much: RRP $48,990 drive away (promotion) ■ What we liked: It’s got a pretty swanky level of appointment; it offers a great ride, around town or on the bitumen; the cabin layout has been genuinely designed with the driver in mind; the sunroof doesn’t cost valuable head height for taller drivers; visibility from the driver’s seat is fantastic, especially in traffic ■ What we weren’t fussed on: From the outside, it’s not the world’s most attractive SUV; some of the controls take a bit of getting used to ■ Where: Len Patti Mitsubishi Dalby 07 4662 3122
Outlander impresses with class
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UNIQUE AESTHETICS: Believe it or not, the Outlander's one-of-akind lines grow on you. Photo Lyndon Keane the bells and whistles you would expect for a top-of-the-range vehicle and, in this test driver’s opinion, it is more well-appointed than its direct competitors from Ford, Nissan and Holden. The integrated navigation and audio system is fantastic and easy to use, once you work out which of the countless buttons in the cockpit does what. Would I buy one myself? Absolutely.
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WHEN I first locked eyes on the Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire for our road test, I have to admit I was underwhelmed with its outward appearance. I am pleased to report that, after four days and almost 500 kilometres in the cockpit, my minor issue with “ugly duckling” aesthetics was pretty well the only mark against the star of the Japanese manufacturer’s SUV stable. My test vehicle was powered by a 2.2-litre direct-injection diesel power plant, which pushes out 110 kilowatts and 360 Newton-metres of torque. To my surprise, the donk was remarkably impressive and equally adept at either launching the seven-seat Outlander Aspire off the mark at traffic lights or overtaking road trains on the bustling Warrego Highway. The Outlander flagship boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless, one-touch start and all
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MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
Former NRL stars join Dalby ranks RUGBY league talent in the Western Downs has been boosted after the announcement that Shaun and Barry Berrigan will run onto the paddock in Dalby Diehards colours this season. The brothers are household names in rugby league circles, with Shaun having represented both Queensland and Australia, as well as running on in more than 200 NRL games for the Brisbane Broncos, New Zealand Warriors and Canberra Raiders. Barry donned both the Broncos and Canterbury Bulldogs jerseys during his 10-year professional NRL career. The brothers are working in the Surat Basin with
Thiess and are expected to play critical roles as the Diehards try to improve on their 2013 campaign. The club’s head coaches, Scott Hall and Kerry Carmichael, heralded the signing of the duo as an incredible gain for rugby league fans in Dalby. “To have players of this experience is once in a lifetime for the players and coaches at Dalby,” Hall said. “They’ve played every level of football, and that will be a massive boost for the whole club.” New halfback Asher Elemani and former Canterbury Bulldogs under-20 player Nathan Champney are the club’s other big-name additions for the upcoming season.
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SPORT IN BRIEF Adelaide star goes MIA BRISBANE Roar officials were tightlipped last week when asked about Steve Lustica’s walk-out at Adelaide. Reds officials confirmed that Lustica wanted to join his former club, Brisbane, and that the 22-year-old failed to turn up to training on January 29. It is understood the midfielder has not signed a contract at the Roar. Lustica is one of seven Reds players who have less than six months remaining on their contracts, meaning they are allowed to start negotiating new deals.
BIG NEWS FOR LOCAL LEAGUE: Barry Berrigan, along with his brother, Shaun, are two of four major off-season signings for the Dalby Diehards’ 2014 campaign.
Punters set for big day trackside
READY TO RACE: Jockeys are warming up for Dalby’s second meeting of 2014.
PERFECT weather is tipped to complement a cracking track when the Dalby and Northern Downs Jockey Club hosts a special race meeting on Saturday afternoon. Bunya Park will come alive in a wave of excitement and colour as hundreds of racegoers frock up to celebrate the Des Burns Memorial Race Day, an annual event which honours the life of one of Dalby’s bestknown horse trainers. After significant rain over the Australia Day long weekend, the running surface is in top-shelf condition and the club’s president, Russell Behrens, encouraged the community to turn out in
force for what is viewed by many as a must-do social event. “It’s generally a really good day and we expect to see a lot of people here as
MEMORIAL DAY: A big crowd will converge on Bunya Park to honour legendary trainer Des Burns on Saturday.
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Page 14.
they honour the life of a really good bloke,” he said. There will be five races on the program, in addition to on-course bookmakers and entertainment.
No decision on Fa’aoso future MANLY says no decision has been made in regards to the playing future of forward Richie Fa’aoso. The comments are in response to an article last week which said a neck injury had forced the Tongan international into retirement. The Sea Eagles said club officials would meet with Fa’aoso and his management shortly to discuss the neck injury, sustained in last season’s preliminary final against the Rabbitohs. Cricketers cash in AUSTRALIA’S stars of the summer against England look set to cash in during next month’s Indian Premier League auction. Ashes player of the series, paceman Mitchell Johnson, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, and batsman Steve Smith are among the 31 players who have attracted the highest base price of $365,735.
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MINERSLIFEMONTHLY
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FishingSPORT
➤ BASIN BITES
An Australia Day whopper DALBY fisherman Steve Hay knew Myall Creek housed the odd yellowbelly, but he was not prepared for the whopper that hooked up during a family afternoon beside the water on January 26. The 35-year-old, who admits he has had a fishing rod in his hand “since being able to walk”, landed the fine specimen after heading to the creek for some kayaking and an Australia Day celebration, and he said the catch was the perfect way to celebrate. “It was a good way to end the day,” he laughed. “We actually just went and got some food, and went down to the creek with the sister-inlaw and her partner; they brought down their kayak and we had a bit of a paddle, a bit of a feed and a bit of a yarn.” The decision proved to be the right one for Steve, who only began fishing in Myall Creek less than a fortnight ago. “That’s only the second time I’ve ever fished in the Myall,” he said. “Two weekends ago, I went down for the first time and flicked a lure around, and got a little guy that was undersized.”
Steve tells his story
A DAY TO REMEMBER: Steve Hay will remember Australia Day 2014 as the day he snared a big yellowbelly from Dalby’s Myall Creek
There was no issue with size for Steve’s Australia Day Goliath and, while he did not have a tape measure or scale with him, he said he believed it would have topped eight pounds. “He’s the biggest yellowbelly I’ve ever caught,” Steve said when quizzed about its size. “I reckon he would have been every bit of eight pounds but I didn’t have the tape to run over him. “It actually felt like I’d snagged up on something until I realised he’d started taking line.” The yellowbelly was caught with a spinner bait on 20lb braided line and Steve said it only took “about 30 casts” to begin the underwater stoush. Unlike many anglers, Steve was happy to admit he was fishing upstream from the weir in town and said his prized catch was now back in the creek. “I let him go at the boat ramp at the weir,” he said. “At that size, I’d rather let big fellows go, because they are good breeders. “It’s just the thrill of the catch, as long as you can get your photo taken with him.”
Santa Claus comes early
BAGGED AT BOONDOOMA: Keen angler Matt Bailey snared this 56-centimetre yellowbelly while on the water at Boondooma Dam before Christmas. Photo Contributed
WANT TO WIN?
For his Myall Creek effort on our national day, Steve has won this month’s prize – we look forward to seeing future catches in all their glory, including the “30-pound cod” he is now chasing in Dalby’s waterway. ■ TO GET your hands on a camera, simply email a photo of your catch to thirstywork@suratbasin.com.au or MMS it to 0419 891 666. Remember to include your name and number so we can get in touch with you to have a chat, as well as details about your big catch, including where you landed it and what sort of tackle you were using.
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